41. “5 Breathing Difficulties That Are Often Overlooked in Children”

As parents, we often worry about our children’s health and well-being. When it comes to their breathing, we may think that as long as they are able to breathe, everything is fine. However, there are several breathing difficulties that are often overlooked in children, which can have long-term effects if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss 5 breathing difficulties that are often overlooked in children, and why it is important to address them.

1. Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of breathing difficulties in children, but they are often overlooked. When a child is exposed to an allergen, such as pollen or dust mites, their immune system reacts by producing histamine, which causes inflammation in the nasal passages and airways, making it difficult for them to breathe. This can lead to symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and congestion, making it difficult for children to breathe through their nose.

If left untreated, allergies can worsen and lead to asthma, a chronic respiratory condition that causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways. It is important to identify and manage allergies in children to prevent them from developing into more serious respiratory conditions.

2. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is a condition where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, causing irritation and inflammation. In children, this can lead to breathing difficulties as the acid irritates the throat and airway, causing them to cough, wheeze, and have difficulty breathing. Acid reflux can also cause recurrent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

Many parents may not associate acid reflux with breathing difficulties and may overlook it as a cause of their child’s symptoms. However, it is important to address acid reflux in children to prevent long-term damage to the respiratory system.

3. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where a child’s breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep, leading to pauses in breathing or shallow breathing. This can cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the body, which can have serious consequences such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and behavioral issues.

Sleep apnea is often overlooked in children, as it is commonly associated with adults. However, it is estimated that 1-4% of children between the ages of 2-8 years old have sleep apnea. It is important to address sleep apnea in children to ensure proper oxygen levels and prevent potential health problems.

4. Chronic Cough
A chronic cough is a cough that lasts for more than 8 weeks. While it may seem like a minor issue, a chronic cough can be a sign of an underlying respiratory condition. In children, a chronic cough can be caused by asthma, allergies, acid reflux, or even a foreign object stuck in the airway.

Many parents may overlook a chronic cough and assume it is just a cold that will go away on its own. However, if a cough persists for more than 8 weeks, it is important to have it evaluated by a doctor to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

5. Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and croup, are common in children and can cause breathing difficulties. While these infections are often treated with antibiotics, they can lead to more serious respiratory conditions if left untreated.

It is important to pay attention to the frequency and severity of respiratory infections in children, as well as any lingering breathing difficulties after the infection has cleared. This can be a sign of an underlying respiratory condition that needs to be addressed.

In conclusion, as parents, it is important to pay attention to our children’s breathing and address any difficulties they may be experiencing. Allergies, acid reflux, sleep apnea, chronic cough, and respiratory infections are often overlooked in children, but they can have serious consequences if left untreated. If your child is experiencing breathing difficulties, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Link: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chest-lungs/Pages/5-Breathing-Difficulties-That-Are-Often-Overlooked-in-Children.aspx